Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 4 - Verse 6
Meaning
The verse 'And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.' emphasizes the importance of humility and avoiding pride in relationships and interactions with others. By using himself and Apollos as examples, the speaker is teaching the audience to not elevate individuals beyond what is warranted and to avoid comparing and competing with one another. The passage teaches the principle of looking to scripture for guidance and not putting too much emphasis on human leaders or personalities. It warns against pride, which can lead to division and conflict among believers. The message encourages a spirit of unity, humility, and focusing on the teachings of scripture rather than elevating one person above another.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthians, reminding them not to elevate human leaders to a higher status than what is written in the Scriptures. By using himself and Apollos as examples, Paul urges the Corinthians to learn humility and avoid being prideful or competitive towards one another. The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the importance of staying grounded in the teachings of the Bible and not allowing personal preferences or biases to cloud one's judgment or lead to divisions within the church. By emphasizing the need to stay true to what is written, Paul highlights the dangers of idolizing human leaders and the importance of unity and humility among believers. This verse serves as a poignant reminder for Christians to prioritize God's word above all else and to avoid the temptation of elevating any individual above their rightful place in the body of Christ.